Dugout Discussion

Tuchel explains decision to bench Mendy as Chelsea rotation continues

Chelsea face Newcastle United in the second of two Premier League matches to take place on Monday evening.

Kick-off in west London is at 20:00 GMT.

Having rotated frequently since his appointment, Thomas Tuchel has sprung another surprise with his teamsheet tonight.

Edouard Mendy (£5.1m) is the latest high-profile name to face bench duty, with Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.7m) given another chance to impress his new manager.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Tuchel explained his decision:

Four of the five most-owned Chelsea players in Fantasy Premier League are among the substitutes this evening, with Timo Werner (£9.2m) the only one to start.

In related news, none of the back five – including goalkeeper Mendy – that Frank Lampard favoured for much of 2020/21 makes Tuchel’s starting XI this evening.

Thiago Silva (£5.6m) is still missing because of injury, with Ben Chilwell (£5.9m), Reece James (£5.0m) and Kurt Zouma (£5.4m) among the replacements.

Tammy Abraham (£7.2m) starts ahead of Olivier Giroud (£6.7m) up front, meanwhile.

Steve Bruce makes four changes to the Newcastle side that beat Southampton in Gameweek 23.

All four are enforced, with Javier Manquillo (£4.2m), Callum Wilson (£6.6m) and Fabian Schar (£4.9m) injured and Jeff Hendrick (£4.5m) suspended.

In come Ciaran Clark (£4.5m), Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m), Dwight Gayle (£5.9m) and Emil Krafth (£4.2m)into Bruce’s starting XI.


Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Alonso, Abraham, Werner.

Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis, Hayden, Shelvey, Willock, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Gayle.

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1,321 Comments Post a Comment
  1. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Evening chaps. How would you improve this wildcard team.

    Martinez Steer
    Shaw Dallas Cancelo Aioski Aina
    Salah Fernandes Periera Gundogan Foden
    Kane Bamford Cavani

    I have 0.9 Itb. Thanks.

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No BB?

      I would not go Steer as that uses up a Villa slot. I would stay away from Alioski he's not a great option when you can get Raphinha. Gundo could be injured beyond the Everton game. Cavani is not a reliable striker

      1. King Henrik
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I have BB available. Team atm needs tweaked so am thinking of activating wildcard.

        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Am thinking of BB before WC personally as I dont want to have so much money tied in bench post WC

          Watkins, Barnes, Raphinha are all good alternatives

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Steer blocks a villa spot. Don't understand the Alioski and pereira pick. Pereira can be Raphinha

  2. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    With so many injury concerns, this team needs the WC surely?

    Martinez - Pope
    Cancelo - Dias* - Coufal - Alioski - Lowton
    Salah - Bruno - Rashford - Barnes- Gundo*
    Antonio* - DCL* - Bamford

    DCL and Dias will likely be fit, but feels like Gundo and Antonio could miss next GW.

    Was initially planning Raphinha or Dallas + Ings in for a hit to BB25. Is this move no longer valid?

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      wait till later in the week.
      if it's only 2 injured players it hardly forces a WC.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        cheers needed that. May still be able to stick with my plan to BB 25 with double Leeds defence and Ings

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          sure thing! i have those 4 and had Justin last week too...was stressful for a day or two before i took a breath.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dias is fine.

      DCL and Gundogan may play on Wednesday.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Praying Gundo plays on Wednesday. He did look not too shaken when he came off so im slightly optimistic

  3. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any ideas on this...

    Pope
    Cancelo Stones Digne
    Salah Grealish Gundo Fernandes
    DCL Antonio Bamford

    Martinez Soucek Coufal Holding

    3.9ITB 2FT

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL/Antonio + Coufal + Soucek --> Ings + Dallas + Raph

    2. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm likely shipping one of the WHU players. Just not sure which yet. Their fixtures take a dip now.

  4. Don Van Vliet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any Seagulls fans on here with an update on young Lamptey's recovery. Any chance he's fit for GW25?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He was effective for attacking returns but they weren't keeping many clean sheets when he was playing.

      1. Don Van Vliet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I'm familiar with his and the team's output; was wondering more about his availability for the match against Palace and whether or not to move on Veltman.

  5. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2FTs, 4.2itb -- Pretty set on Pope > Forster for the funds (I already have Martinez), but looking at the other FT now.

    1) Mee > Dallas
    2) Antonio > Kane
    3) Soucek > Son
    4) Soucek > Raphinha

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No BB?

      Id do Soucek --> Raph

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Doubtful. Bench isn't great at the moment, other than the GKs.

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      4

    3. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      if you don't need te funds don't do the keeper move yet. make the other decision first.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Fair point. Don't need them, per se, but I would to afford Son or Kane.

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Can't imagine Pope is dropping anytime soon plus you can play him against WBA if you keep him this week.
          Kane/Son double in for 26 then?

    4. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      4

  6. dansully3
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any more updates on Gundo

  7. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If I WC will it take away the -4

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    3. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes.

      1. Don Van Vliet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You'll also lose your FT, too.

  8. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1) Would u rather TC Kane in GW26 with a -8
    or
    2) WC in GW26, no TC in GW26 but Kane (c)

    Martinez Pope
    Dias Cancelo Tarkowski Cresswell Dallas
    Salah Bruno Son Foden Raphinha
    Watkins Bamford Antonio

    The team is ok but need a rank rise FAST and fed up of points on bench

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Team is fine . Need a -8 to get kane ?

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No money in bank so 3 'downgrades' needed

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Then 2

    2. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That Burnley defence won't give Kane too much! Gw 27 Kane at home to Palace looks better imo.

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        We always smash Burnley at home. Gut insist is Kane & Son do well in DGW.

        1. dansully3
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Maybe so but the season that's in it, best of luck!

      2. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        And Fulham are fairly resilient these days, too! I still wish I'd TC'd Pope this GW just to get it used and stop the worry of it...!

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Either way, what do I do?

          Is the team good enough for GW26 or is it worth WCing to improve? Only 2FTs to improve it...

          1. Big_Andy_GAWA
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Do you have 2 FT's??

            1. Coys96
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              1FT, so 2 in total

  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Barnes or Maddison ? They ll probably match each other up so may as well go for the cheaper option right ?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      i prefer Barnes but the call is so close

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I like Barnes more. Maddison has been on a great run; I can't honestly see him maintaining that...

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks all

  10. T88MYE
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I keep looking for inspiration...

    I have all my chips - WC, TC, BB, FH and 4.4 ITB. Hovering around 30k. When do I use the chips... so many options!

    Pope, Steer
    Dais, Stones, Dallas, Justin, Mee
    Gundo, Salah, Son, Bruno, Soucek
    Watkins, Antonio, Richarlison

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      WC this GW
      TC next
      BB whenever
      FH 29

      1. T88MYE
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        TC over BB for 26?

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          You'd be stuck with a strong bench for ages and there are some great TC shouts

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That's some achievement to still have all your chips PLUS W/C!! Lol.

      1. T88MYE
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah. Up until now I’ve made a few good early calls, and had some pretty good luck when it’s needed. Teams been pretty set from the start.

        I feel now is when I need to make a move. But can’t quite nail down who I need and what I need to do!

    3. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just for fun...

      BB25
      FH26
      WC30/31
      TC33

      3x Leeds for BB25 can be used in 29.

      Wish i had all mine left!

    4. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I could only ever dream of being that rank let alone all chips left along with it! Then again I have moved from 3m to 500k now with WC & TC left. You’re in good shape.
      I echo Coys advice

  11. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Should I be thinking to get rid of Digne? His attacking threat is great however Everton’s defending isn’t great. Not sure if they have any other doubles or blanks coming up...

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I really wish I hadn't watched them last night - they were atrocious!!

      1. Parsnips
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Not good to watch at all.

    2. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      the potential doubles is what is stopping me getting rid of DCL?

    3. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      seems like he never kicked on.
      there are better defenders who also get bonus ....Shaw, Cresswell, Dallas even.

      1. Parsnips
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Of course. Dallas is definitely someone I’m bringing in this week. I just can’t see everton keeping clean sheets in the next few weeks...

    4. Sulley
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am taking out. Brought him in the Newcastle game and these good upcoming fixtures. They have shipped a lot of goals and Rodriquez seems to have monopoly on set pieces now too (even though personally think Digne delivery much more dangerous). Agree with others on here. On my WC I will be looking at Shaw and Cresswell and an enabler like Rudiger

  12. mrrahrah
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    To maximise a bb in gw26 I’m leaning towards taking out salah and bamford to bring in Kane and Son.

    It could potentially backfire but it gives me an extra fixture and spurs do seem to have better fixtures.

    It would also mean I have a front three of Kane, ings and dcl.

    Any thoughts much appreciated

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Personally i really like Salah in and around GW26 but it isn't madness. That front 3 could be huge.

      1. mrrahrah
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers appreciate it, yeah It’s a tough one salah is even a decent captain shout for 26.

      2. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Think I'm gonna lose Bruno instead of Salah in order to fund Kane. Time to think it over, but 'pool's fixtures are more appealing.

        1. mrrahrah
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah that’s not a bad shout I think I could justify that by the fact they have city in 27.

          End of they day whoever I take out will be back in 30

  13. klopptimusprime
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Cancelo Stones / White Kilman
    Salah Gundo Grealish Bruno Soucek
    Bamford Firmino / Watkins

    3.0ITB 1FT

    a) Firmino to Ings
    b) Grealish to Raphinha/Barnes
    c) Soucek to Raphinha/Barnes

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino to Ings
      Soucek to Raphinha

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Agree here. Worth the -4

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      a + c.
      i like the Barnes idea...Lei got good fixtures long term, BUT gotta think one of your players is benched every week. you want it to be a Barnes/Grealish cost player or a Soucek/Raphinha?

      1. klopptimusprime
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        so saying wise to take a hit for DGW?

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I dunno. Leeds are so hit/miss, can easily see double blank for Raphinha. But also can see 20 points.
          I've not made my decision on Soucek>Raph (or Antonio>Ings). Leaning towards only doing one. (Already have Bamford & Dallas).
          Would love to know future fixtures first.

  14. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I feel I keep buying the right players. It’s just they get injured or rotated. When they play they do well, like Dallas or Cresswell who did well again this week. Martinez smashing it too. But for every Gundongan there’s a Ben Mee, for every Bamford there’s an Antonio. Been like this all season, never had one like it.
    Anyone else Having incredibly bad luck?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I feel like I'm getting unlucky too.

      I chose to go Tarkowski over Lowton for the attacking threat... Antonio last GW vs Fulham, Pope last GW which meant benching 22 of Martinez's points. I got Cancelo and ever since he's been quieter. Foden hasn't returned for me once since I brought him in against West Brom, Johnstone got covid in DGW and Rashford blanked and benched after returning in every away game (before the DGW), yet he blanked in both away game in the DGW. Werner in for the DGW was also a flop but I stand by the fact he could've easily scored 2 (sitter vs Fulham, harsh offside vs Leicester).

      It's been like this all season. Bad moves (maybe my fault), but have turned out far worse than all the FPL community thought pre-deadline.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I got in Barkley and he played 8 minutes. Got rid for Jota and he got injured. Got in Konsa for Mitchell, Konsa gets injured and they get 4 clean sheets meanwhile Mitchell out of the blue starts. 1 game week I had 1 defender start out of 5. It’s been non stop. But when my players actually play they do well.

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah I did the Jota move too, think he got 1 game before being injured (pretty sure he was benched too)

          Reece james was a disaster for me (benched most of his points vs top 6 and blocked a lot of points from bench with cameos)
          Had soucek for about 6 weeks in which he returned twice - i benched both times, played him in the other 4.

          Sterling in blank game week was horrible too. Mahrez another shocker - got him whilst he was nailed. I also remember getting in sterling for burnley home, i captained. City won 5-0 and he didnt play 😀 Mane in for fulham away too, could've gone salah but wanted to go different

          Some real shockers - has defined my season. Horrible stuff. Raphinha my greatest success, got him in GW12 🙂

          Some incredible bad luck for you there

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Oh great I forgot about James and Soucek. I flipped a coin as both James and Chilwell were injured. Got rid of Chilwell and he plays and James doesn’t. That was the week I had 1 defender play. Benched all of Souceks points as well. It never ends.

  15. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Own 3 west ham and no Leeds.
    Feels like Antonio to Bamford is the easier choice
    Would you get Raphinha (for Soucek) over Bamford or 2x Leeds players needed
    Debating Bamford vs Ings also looking at ways to get both
    Team linked

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2 Leeds players.

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bamford over Ings imo. Get Raphinha as well (though i would not be surprised if Soucek got a goal vs Spurs).

  16. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need gundo to be bench vs everton!

    1. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Badly! He surely won't be risked!!!!

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I don't think he'll play, personally. It's not as if they *really* need him. I honestly can't see him starting, and doubtful he'd be risked in the squad...

  17. ILOVEBAPS
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who is best going forward; Grealish or Barnes/Maddison? Losing Salah to afford Kane TC in 26.

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Grealish imo, more DGWs to come past 26 and his DGW26 look amazing

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’d love to say Grealish as I own him and he has doubles but probably one of the Leicester lads.

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He is so involved in everything that Avl does though. And it is only him unlike the Lei lads where you don't know which one will get the points week to week.
        Hmmm...

    3. Muscout
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Grealish

  18. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    When is the likelihood of a T Mitchell drop and when is it projected?

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      interested too. could drop anyday but prob impacted by wc teams
      hard to tell. would you remove if it's for -4?
      currently considering

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I need him to drop even in a -4 trade as Vardy went up :/

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        In the same predicament, seems like FPL stats is all over the place so its anyone's guess, hoping its later in the week after the city game at least though to see what the Gundo situation is. Have a feeling if you sell for -4 then he won't drop and if you stick he will so all depends how much the .1 matters

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I need the .1 before I make any trade.
          Vardy up has stumped me. And that rise was out of nowhere.

  19. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Went DCL to Cavani trying to maximise the wba newc games
    Would you just hang on for this gw or shift to Ings now -4
    Will look to get Kane in 26 via sterling to Gund if fit

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bad luck

      Probably stick

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This, if you wanted Ings long term id say go for it but Cavani may still come good this week and you'll drop either regardless next

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          unfortunately still have rodrigo sitting on my bench as 3rd striker whom i got in for leeds double that never was
          still trying to resist the wc

  20. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy
    Cancelo Dallas Tark
    Salah Bruno Sterling Gundo Barnes
    Bamford Cavani

    Steer Antonio Coufal JLewis 0.8 itb

    WC this week (haven’t activated yet)
    BB26

    No FH left but get in 3x Spurs, 2/3x AVL for now + 2x Leeds on WC

    Sound like a good plan? Any other suggestions?

  21. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Played mendy over Martinez in fan team. What a lovely surprise to wake up to

  22. Clintymints
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ok so a WC 25 and BB 26 template team so far is this...

    Martinez and ____?

    Dias Cancelo Dallas ____? ____?

    Salah Gundogan Fernandes Grealish ____?

    Bamford DCL Ings

    Whos the 4 slots to fill in with? Can also factor in a FT for the 26 GW.

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ignoring costs

      Olson/Pickford (assuming you know who is playing)
      Shaw, Robbo
      Son

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      can you tell me who has DGW 26 ?

    3. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      areola,
      shaw, rudiger
      raphina

  23. ILOVEBAPS
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance Aguero gets some minutes vs Eve?

  24. djaddy
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I know it's crazy that I don't have Bamford yet, but would you:

    A) Keep Kane, Watkins and DCL and play two of them this week. Will have 11 DGWs next week.

    B) DCL>Bamford(-4) and back to DCL(-4)

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C) DCL to Bamford and don't look back!

  25. The Bad Seed
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anybody recon Forster will become number 1?

  26. The Bad Seed
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WC Active, thoughts on the below welcome and appreciated:

    1) do you think Forster will ovetake mccarthy?
    2) Ings, DCL, Watkins, Bamford. I want 2 of them with Kane. Best 2 in your opinion?
    3) Sterling, Bruno, Salah. Best 2 to own going forward?